Day 21 – U: Unlearning

“Knowledge is like an endless resource; a well of water that satisfies the innate thirst of the growing human soul. Therefore never stop learning… because the day you do, you will also stop maturing.” Chidi Okonkwo

While continuous learning is paramount to the success of organisations, what is equally important is the ability to unlearn. This is especially critical in the knowledge economy where change has become a way of business life. Current knowledge is getting redundant quicker than ever and innovation and the need to create new knowledge is fast becoming the norm. The statement below is extremely apt and contextual.

In fact, the other side of the creation and development of new knowledge is the accumulation of old knowledge and technologies that not only remain in the labyrinth of organization, but also, might negatively influence the process of creation and learning new knowledge (Schumpeter, 1934; Schumpeter, 1943; Winter, 1984).

If this theme is of interest, I would suggest you read this excellent post by David Griffiths. It is entitled Can you unlearn to learn…?

3 thoughts on “Day 21 – U: Unlearning

  1. This came up when I was considering buying a MacBook Pro instead of a Windows laptop. I should have gone with the MacBook–it’s more reliable. But you have to unlearn two full decades of Windows information…and it’s just second nature to me now. Maybe I’ll make the leap in 2016, when it’s time for a new laptop!

    Stephanie
    http://stephie5741.blogspot.com

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  2. Hi Stephanie, Thanks! Have used the MacBook a few times and it is fantastic. Probably worth the leap in two year’s time.
    Melanie: Yes, that applies to me as well. Guess KM is all about learning and unlearning. Keeps you on your toes.

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